Bluetongue Disease: Vaccination

Mr. Drew: To ask the Secretary of
State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what plans he has to source
vaccines to combat BTV6. [233870]

Jane Kennedy: There is no vaccine currently licensed for use
against Bluetongue virus serotype 6 (BTV-6) in Europe. DEFRA is in discussion
with potential vaccine providers, the veterinary profession and industry
stakeholders about plans for 2009.

Meanwhile DEFRA
is pressing for strict control measures to contain the threat of BTV-6 and other
BTV 11 Nov 2008
: Column 1005Wserotypes in the EU, and will continue to conduct
post-import tests on all imported animals for all Bluetongue serotypes.

We also have an
agreed policy for controlling incursions of any new serotypes under the existing
Bluetongue Control Strategy, published last year, and which is being updated in
the light of this year’s experience.

Bovine Tuberculosis: Vaccination

Alistair Burt: To ask the
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs how many doses of the
BTV8 vaccine the Government has bought since October 2007. [233350]

Jane Kennedy: DEFRA has placed orders for 35.5 million doses
of BTV8 vaccine; 28 million for use in England and 7.5 million for Wales. The
first order for 22.5 million doses was placed on 1 November 2007 with a further
13 million doses ordered on 11 June 2008. In keeping with the principles set out
in the Bluetongue vaccination plan, livestock keepers in the protection zone can
purchase vaccine through their private vets. BTV8 vaccine has been available
since May 2008.

Alistair Burt: To ask the
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs what the take-up rate
of the BTV8 vaccine has been in the last 12 months. [233351]

Jane Kennedy: Vaccination against Bluetongue in England and
Wales is voluntary, and delivered through existing veterinary medicine supply
chains, an approach agreed with the livestock industry to ensure the simple,
rapid roll-out of vaccine to protect animals earlier this year. Because the
approach to vaccination is voluntary, no definitive figures can be provided on
the numbers of livestock actually vaccinated.

However, to date,
sales data from the supply chain suggests the overall uptake of vaccine across
the whole of England is around 60 per cent. Initial vaccine uptake was
high—reaching between 80 per cent. and 90 per cent. in the South East and East
of England, but uptake in the counties of northern England and in Wales has been
lower.

11 Nov 2008
: Column 1006W

Alistair Burt: To ask the
Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs whether he plans to
sell unused BTV8 vaccines held by his Department before their expiration date.
[233352]

Jane Kennedy: Vaccination against Bluetongue in England and
Wales is voluntary, and delivered through existing veterinary medicine supply
chains, an approach agreed earlier this year with the livestock industry to
ensure the simple, rapid roll-out of vaccine to protect animals. Supplies of
vaccine are still available to farmers who have not yet vaccinated this year;
they are advised to contact their private vet to place orders.

The 2009
vaccination strategy for Bluetongue serotype eight is currently being discussed
with stakeholders. This includes consideration of the role the existing surplus
can play in meeting future demand before the vaccine expires. Further details
will be announced following these discussions with the expectation that the
vaccination plan will be published by December of this year. This will be made
available on the DEFRA website.